Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort in Orlando

Visiting Orlando and Universal? Wondering if you should stay at one of the fabulous Universal Resorts? We recently stayed at the Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and I would recommend it to anyone. This post is sponsored by Universal Orlando Hotels. All opinions are my own.

When people are visiting Orlando and the theme parks, they often wonder if it is worth it to stay at the resorts. The resorts not only keep you close to the theme parks, which is a huge benefit alone, but they also offer a one of a kind stay that is fun and family friendly.

Living in Central Florida has a lot of perks. We never have to go far to visit the beach or theme parks for our family vacations or staycations. Universal Orlando Florida Resident rates is another great perk that makes having fun in the sun a lot more affordable.

Benefits of Staying at any of the Universal Resorts

Why should you stay at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort? Besides having a gorgeous place to stay, there are also advantages when it comes to the parks itself.

Ticket sales and pickup at the hotel. You can avoid the lines and get your park tickets and Universal Express Passes in the comfort and convenience of the hotel lobby.

Get Early Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay™ are opened one hour before the parks open for the public. This benefit is worth its weight in gold!

This is one of T’s favorite parts. She is a huge Harry Potter Fan. I can’t even tell you how many times she has watched the movies and read the books.

Steps Away from Volcano Bay – When staying at this resort, Volcano Bay is only a short distance away. And guests staying at Cabana Bay get their own entrance. I couldn’t get over just how close we were. It was great!

Free Transportation– When you stay at one of the resorts, including Universal Cabana Bay Beach, you catch a shuttle to get to any of the other parks, free of charge.

There is more to the room key than just a room key – When you are staying at the resort, your room key can double as a way to pay. Simply charge it to your room. The room key also a way to get complimentary access to some of the live events and entertain at Universal CityWalk for as long as you are staying at the resort.

Easy Shopping: When you visit somewhere and go shopping, one of the worst things is having to carry the bags around. When you stay at Cabana Bay Beach resort, or any of the Universal resorts, go shopping at select stores in the theme parks or CityWalk, and they will deliver the bags back to your hotel, free of charge.

Characters: Everyone loves seeing their favorite characters, but no loves the long wait times in the parks. On Friday nights, don’t be surprised to see some of your favorites show up. Some of the characters only appear at the resorts.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

I love how the resort has a fun and retro vibe. The decor matches the theme and it is just a fun atmosphere to be in. The resort is like stepping back into the iconic 1950s and ’60s.

There are fun pieces and decor everywhere you go in the resort. It gives you that fun 50’s vibe at every turn. While it is retro, it is certainly not outdated.

When staying at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort the rooms are so comfortable. We stayed in the Beach Tower which was located across from one of the pools and a short walk from the entrance to Volcano Bay. The room was so colorful and inviting and I have to say, having a view like this overlooking Volcano Bay was incredible.

Can you believe that was the view from our room? It was awesome!

There are many types of room and spacious family suites that make this a perfect resort to stay in no matter how many people are with you. The rooms feature the same fun retro decor as the rest of the hotel, so no matter where you are, you are getting the full experience. But just because the decor is retro, doesn’t mean the beds themselves are. These beds are very comfortable. After a long day of rides and walking and more rides and shopping, once you lay down in these comfy beds, you are sure to fall asleep.

Where to Eat

While staying at the Cabana Beach Resort, there are plenty of dining options and there is something for everyone.

Bayliner Diner™- The Bayliner Diner has the selection of a food court, with the convenience too, but the food is much better. You can get deli items, pizza, salads, and burgers. Don’t forget dessert. We loved getting breakfast here. There were so many yummy options.

The Hideaway Bar & Grill™ – The Hideaway Bar & Grill is perfect. It is right near the lazy river. It not only has snacks and meals, but it also has frozen drinks, cocktails, beer and wine for the over 21 guests. We love the fish tacos and nachos. I think I could eat these every day.

Atomic Tonic™– The Atomic Tonic is a shaded bar and grill that sits right on the Cabana Courtyard pool deck. It has lighter meal options like sandwiches, salads and kebabs. It also has non-alcoholic beverages, cold beer, wine, and specialty cocktails for guests over 21.

Galaxy Bowl Restaurant™While having a good time bowling, there is no need to leave for dinner. The bowling alley has made to order sandwiches, hamburgers, pizzas, chicken wings and more.

Swizzle Lounge™ – This retro lounge located in the hotel lobby has snacks and made-to-order cocktails for 21+ guests.

Starbucks® – If life can’t go on without your Starbucks, then you have nothing to fear at Cabana Beach Resort. Despite their 50’s retro appearance, there is still a Starbucks in the lobby.

Delizioso Pizza – Sometimes you just need pizza. If that’s the case, Delizioso Pizza has you covered. In addition, they have salads and desserts. The best part, you don’t have to leave where you are in the resort to get it. During limited hours, they will deliver to where you are.

While being so close to the theme parks is fantastic, sometimes, you want to do something different. With the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you can have everything you need for an amazing vacation without ever leaving the resort.

Galaxy Bowl- Located in the resort, Galaxy Bowl is the Cabana Bay own bowling alley. Featuring 10 lanes to play on, the bowling alley has its own restaurant and a full bar. Open 12 noon–12 midnight, daily.

Cabana Courtyard And Pool- Located next to the Atomic Tonic, this pool has a dive tower-themed water slide. There are cabanas for rent as well as shaded picnic tables and a large fire pit.

Lazy River Courtyard and Pool – This pool also has a winding river and sand beach. With the Hideaway Bar & Grill poolside, there is also 2 fire pits and plenty of outdoor seating, making it easy to relax and soak up the Florida sun.

Poolside Activities- There are a lot of poolside activities as well, like hula hoop and splash contests. There are many family activities available. Check with the front desk to see what is going on that day.

Cabana Rental – If you want a little extra shade and comfort while hanging out at the pool, you can rent a cabana. Located at the Cabana Courtyard, each cabana has enough room for up to 6 people and comes with a personal LCD tv, in house telephone to order pizza and more. It has an armoire, a table with 4 chairs, 2 lounge chairs and a refrigerator stocked with 4 waters. There is even a personal safe for your use.

Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio- Just because you are on vacation doesn’t mean you have to give up your workout schedule. The Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio is free for guests and it is open 5 am – midnight. Though, if I’m being honest, I didn’t visit the fitness facility at all. My time was spent lounging pool side or visiting the Universal Parks.

Ace The Arcade- Another way to step back into the 50s and 60 is to visit the arcade. Ace the Arcade is a timeless arcade that has modern video games as well.

Dinner Shows at the Resorts

If you are looking for something a little more than traditional dining, there are dinner shows. We went to the Caribbean Carnaval Dinner show at nearby Loews Sapphire Falls resort and it was fantastic. The food was amazing and watching the show was a lot of fun. It was interactive and they did such a good job of getting everyone involved and dancing.

Going to the Universal theme parks is made even better when you stay at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. This was my daughter’s first time going to Universal since the move to Florida, and I know we made memories she will always remember. She had a great time, and this is definitely in our top vacations.

These family memories are priceless, and we will most definitely return.

The 411 On Us

Hi, I'm Angela, founder and content creator at About a Mom. I live in sunny Florida with my 10-year-old little girl. If you are seeking ideas and inspiration for family fun, mealtime, travel, or fun things to do in Florida, you will find it here.